Daniel Turner was born probably at Richmond, Staten Island, N. Y. in 1794, although there is a possibility that he was born in Rhode Island, where at Newport he made his home for many years, and one obituary notice gives New Jersey as his birthplace.
On January 1, 1808, he was appointed to the navy as a midshipman. After a period of service at the New York naval station he cruised on board the Constitution, 1809-11.
On June 8, 1812, he was ordered to take command of the gunboats at Norwich, Connecticut He was commissioned lieutenant on March 12, 1813, and two days thereafter received orders to proceed to Sacketts Harbor, N. Y.
For a time he commanded the Niagara, the second vessel in the squadron of Commodore O. H. Perry, but previous to the battle of Lake Erie he was succeeded by Capt. J. D. Elliott and was given the command of the Caledonia, thus being the third officer in rank during the battle. His conduct on that occasion was highly commended by Perry, who described him as "an officer that in all situations may be relied on".
In the summer of 1814 he commanded the Scorpion of the fleet of Commodore Arthur Sinclair and participated in the capture of several British vessels on Lake Huron, the burning of the fort and barracks at St. Joseph, and the attack on Mackinac.
On September 5 the Scorpion was surprised and captured by the enemy under circumstances that were regarded as not discreditable to Turner. A court of inquiry decided that his conduct on this occasion was that of a discreet and vigilant officer.
After a period of imprisonment he was exchanged. In 1815-17 he was with the frigate Java and in 1819-24 with the cruiser Nonsuch, cruising part of the time in the Mediterranean.
On March 3, 1825, he was promoted master commandant. After a tour of duty at the naval rendezvous at Boston he cruised in the West Indies, 1827-30, as commander of the Erie. For three years he was stationed at the Portsmouth (N. H. ) navy yard.
On March 3, 1835, he was promoted captain. After a long period on waiting orders he commanded the Constitution of the Pacific Squadron, 1839-41.
From 1843 to 1846 he was in command of the Brazil Squadron. His last duty was performed at the Portsmouth navy yard as its commandant.
He died suddenly at Philadelphia of a heart affection.
Daniel Turner was one who received the praise of Perry, a vote of thanks and a medal from Congress, and a sword from the state of New York for his part in the American victory at Lake Erie. Three United States Navy destroyers have been named USS Turner in honor of Captain Turner, including the USS Turner (DD-648) which was probably sunk by a German U-boat off of New York City in 1944.
On May 23, 1837, he had married Catharine M. Bryan at Philadelphia. They had a daughter.
